Fabrication of Nano-Sized β-TCP Powder by an Organic-Inorganic Solution Route

Fabrication of Nano-Sized β-TCP Powder by an Organic-Inorganic Solution Route

Highly sinterable, nano-sized β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) powder was fabricated by an organic-inorganic solution route. Calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid were dissolved in D.I. water and 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution was added. The PVA was used as an organic carrier for the precursor gel. The dried precursor gel was fully crystallized to β-TCP at 1000 oC in an air atmosphere. As well, in the calcination process, the NOx and CO2 gases from the calcium nitrate and PVA polymer made the precursor gel to a soft and porous powder. The synthesized β-TCP powder was agglomerated showing nano-sized primary particles. The ball-milled and compacted β-TCP powder was fully densified at 1200 oC for 1 h. In particular, the sintered β-TCP showed pure β phase without phase transformation to α. In this process, the Ca/P ratio for stoichiometric β- TCP was adjusted by the control of phosphoric acid content.

Highly sinterable, nano-sized β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) powder was fabricated by an organic-inorganic solution route. Calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid were dissolved in D.I. water and 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution was added. The PVA was used as an organic carrier for the precursor gel. The dried precursor gel was fully crystallized to β-TCP at 1000 oC in an air atmosphere. As well, in the calcination process, the NOx and CO2 gases from the calcium nitrate and PVA polymer made the precursor gel to a soft and porous powder. The synthesized β-TCP powder was agglomerated showing nano-sized primary particles. The ball-milled and compacted β-TCP powder was fully densified at 1200 oC for 1 h. In particular, the sintered β-TCP showed pure β phase without phase transformation to α. In this process, the Ca/P ratio for stoichiometric β- TCP was adjusted by the control of phosphoric acid content.